PAK Vs NZ 2nd T20I | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Shaheen celebrating Robinson's wicket with Babar (AP Photos)

After the five-match T20I series opener was abandoned due to rain, the second game between Pakistan and New Zealand will take place on Saturday at the same venue where the first contest was played, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Only two balls were bowled during the first T20I before rain played spoilsport and did not allow any further play. Even in that short period, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has recently been sacked as Pakistan’s captain, made his mark, bowling a peach of a delivery to clean up New Zealand opener Tim Robinson.

PAK vs NZ 2nd T20I: Team Previews

Pakistan

Pakistan have made some interesting choices in their playing XI, with Imad Wasim and Fakhar Zaman being benched under the leadership of Babar Azam. While Fakhar was Pakistan’s regular No. 4 in T20Is, Imad was thought to be drafted in at No. 6 or No. 7 after being recalled in the setup.

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The Men in Green are unlikely to make any changes, as none of them, barring Shaheen, got the opportunity to shine with bat and ball. So, Saim Ayub and Babar are expected to be at the top, followed by Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan, and Shadab Khan.

New Zealand

On the other hand, a second-string New Zealand made some interesting moves under Michael Bracewell. They gave Robinson a chance to open with Tim Seifert, with Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, and Bracewell himself to follow.

Similar to Pakistan, the Black Caps too are likely to keep the same playing XI, although Robinson was rattled by one sharp delivery.

PAK Vs NZ 2nd T20I: Match Details & Live Streaming

PAK Vs NZ 2nd T20I: Rawalpindi Stadium Pitch Report

Many high-scoring matches are played in Rawalpindi because of its flat pitch, which is helpful for batters. However, when fast bowlers hit the deck hard, the surface also helps them generate some extra bounce.

PAK Vs NZ 2nd T20I: Rawalpindi Weather Report

As per worldweatheronline.com, there will be no rain in Rawalpindi on Saturday evening, with only a 4% cloud cover forecast unlike last time. Hence, expect a full match to be played this time around.

PAK VS NZ 2nd T20I: Probable Playing XIs

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand: Tim Seifert (wk), Tim Robinson, Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell (c), Josh Clarkson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Ben Lister

PAK Vs NZ 2nd T20I: Fantoss Fantasy Tips

PAK Vs NZ 2nd T20I: Winner Prediction

Pakistan are likely to win this one, and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

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